Berlusconi steps down as Milan president

Silvio Berlusconi said on Wednesday he would step down as AC Milan president when he starts his third stint as Italian prime minister.

"I will have to give up the presidency of Milan and this pains me. My new role is incompatible," Berlusconi, who is expected to be sworn in early next month after winning last week's general election, told Italy's [Images] Radio Radio station.

The move is unlikely to cause upheaval at the seven-times European champions as vice president Adriano Galliani is in charge of the day-to-day running of the club anyway.

Berlusconi also stepped down as president of Milan while remaining its owner during his last term at the helm of government, between 2001 and 2006.

Berlusconi added that the high asking price Barcelona have put on Ronaldinho [Images] had not destroyed Milan's hopes of signing the Brazil [Images] forward.

"We still want to have him and we know that he wants Milan," Berlusconi said. "Barcelona presented a request that everyone considers excessive. We are moving forward and we'll see. We are still interested."

According to Italian media, Barcelona asked for 50 million euros ($80 million) for Ronaldinho, whom Milan have agreed personal terms with, plus Italy full back Gianluca Zambrotta.

Berlusconi also denied media speculation that he might seek to block a potential move by George Soros to take over AS Roma after the club confirmed they met a representative of a group linked to the American billionaire financier last week.

"It's a consolidated practice in Europe now. Just think of the English teams, with (Roman) Abramovich who has taken over a club (Chelsea) that is dear to the hearts of many English people.

"Roma fans want a winning team, so if someone comes in who can put in the resources to build a winning team who will be protagonists in Italy and Europe, they will be enthusiastic and I hope things develop as they want them to.

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